Men Express ThemselvesWhere men can share their points of view and more.Where women can learn about men.

JOB
OR FAMILY TIME?

Russell
Irving

In
today's economy, millions of us are struggling. To varying degrees.
Yet, struggling, nonetheless. - Having to do without extras... In
some instances, having to give up our home.

Millions
are without jobs. And, when a job comes along, the issue of what
sacrifices are necessary arises. - For those with work, the issue is
often 'How
much will I tolerate in order to keep my job? Take stuff home? Work
extra hours for the bubble? Commute more? Relocate? Or...'.

So
it is that couples often face the dilemma of what sacrifices need to
be made. And what impact they will they have on the family... The
spousal relationship. The children, if there are any.

These
are not simple questions to answer. And, I will not be so
presumptuous as to pretend that I know what you should do.Yet, I
will point out that once you have a job that will pay at least your
minimum bills. The necessary ones. Not cable. Not payments for an
expensive automobile. Probably not private school. Fancy new clothes
every month... You get my drift. At that point, I urge you to examine
the impact upon the family. In terms of time. Your stress level. Your
ability to have a quality relationship with each one of them.

Because
the economy will eventually turn around. But once there is too much
damage to the family's cohesiveness, it can seldom be regained... Or,
easily.

'What
to do',
you ask, 'if
my spouse and kids resent my spending time with them at the expense
of doing without the niceties of life?'.
-- If your family truly cares more about material things than your
health, stress, and family time together, then I hate to tell you
what you probably already know.I remember some years back
watching a TV segment on a man who had a high-powered job, earning
well over $200,000 per year. The family had multiple homes, country
club memberships, great cars, and more. He was laid off. And, he was
middle-aged. He eventually was hired as a veterinary assistant, if
memory serves me correctly. Despite all this, his relationship with
his wife was strong. Yes, it was tough for them. Each in very
different ways. But, they were committed to their marriage. And, to
each other. They made it work! Without all of their former expensive
trappings.

So,
it's a juggling act. But, if you are only the breadwinner. And
nothing much more, than why stay? Just a thought.

If
you listen to Dave Ramsey, you know that he values not only living a
debt-free life, but, most of all, living with a family that is
committed to one another. I agree with him, here!